Ellis, Preds look to change things up

DETROIT The Predators have gone with optional morning skates for most of this season, but everyone was on the ice this morning getting ready for Detroit.

Why did Coach Barry Trotz make it a mandatory skate?

“Why not change it up?’’ Trotz said. “We’ve lost four in a row, so make everyone come out. There’s no formula here, just changing it up.’’

The Preds will also be changing things up in net, as Dan Ellis will get the start tonight against Detroit. Ellis has been pretty good against the Wings over the years. He has six regular-season appareances against the Wings, and has gone 2-2-1 with a 2.58 goals against average and a .930 save percentage in that span. In a six-game playoff loss to Detroit in 2008, Ellis posted a 2.52 goals against average.

“It’s always fun to play here against these guys because there’s always a lot of energy,’’ Ellis said. “It’s a good team challenge for us, too. Usually when you’re in a slump and you play against a good team, you play well and elevate your game.’’

Forward Joel Ward participated in the morning skate today, but will not play tonight. Trotz hopes to have him back Saturday against Atlanta. Marcel Goc did not make the trip and won’t play tomorrow. Trotz hopes to have him back Tuesday. Wade Belak is here, but did not participate in today’s skate and won’t play tonight.

Finally, here are some quotes from Detroit’s Nick Lidstrom and Tomas Holmstrom on their fellow Swede, Patric Hornqvist:

Nick Lidstrom

How much of an impression have you formed of Hornqvist? “I’ve seen him when we’ve played against him and highlights, too. He just seems to have a knack for scoring. I think he’s been their net-front presence and that’s where he’s scored a lot of goals. It’s not easy to score goals in this league. He’s played real well and stayed hot, too.”

Are there similarities between Hornqvist and Holmstrom? “Yeah. It’s not easy when you have to go to goal and you have to stay there, too. You can get there, but you can get pushed off and you can’t get back to your spot. Holostrom has been one of the best in the league about getting back in there and not shying away, really being in the goalie’s face. If (Hornqvist) is looking at (Holmstrom), he’s looking at the right guy because his hand-eye coordination is phenomenal.’’

Will Hornqvist help the Swedes at the Olympics? “I think so. I think he’ll help us with what he can do offensively. And he’s a fairly big guy, too, so that should help.’’

Tomas Holmstrom

What have you seen of Hornqvist? “He’s having a good year. He’s a good skater and likes to go to the net. He’s made lots of positive things happen. It will be fun to see him in the Olympics, too.’’

Are there similarities to your game? “It’s tough to say, but I like his speed and he’s a strong guy. He can get pucks in the corner and feed the guys. You need those kinds of players and he goes hard to the net and pays the price every night.’’

Will we see more Swedes play like this in the near future? “Well, you know everybody can’t be like a (Henrik) Zetterberg or a (Peter) Forsberg, so you have to fit into some other roles.’’